Sangkanin Mountaineers | Mt. Pico De Loro

                                                                             On the way to Ternate, Cavite

                I met Juan Miguel together with his friends Arthur and Alejandro in Sm Mall of Asia around 8:00 am. We then took the bus going to Ternate, Cavite  after taking our breakfast at McDonald's. We reached the town in an hour and haggled with tricycle drivers to take us to the DENR outpost. Most of the drivers we asked was charging us Php 250. 
                            

        Jump off

  After paying the Php 25 registration fee at the DENR, we prepared ourselves for the hike.      

                     There is another Php 20 registration fee before you pass Alibangbang Park.

                                                                             Lunch at Alibangbang Park

                          We rested when we reached the Alibangbang Park, which are sorrounded by trees. We decided also to stay longer to eat our lunch also here and shared some stories and triva.

                                                 Alejandro finally reached the Pico de Loro Campsite 

                                                   Juan Miguel and Arthur rested around the Pico de Loro Campsite 

                                                                    Pico de Loro Campsite 
                                                                                     

                                                                                                Pico de Loro Campsite 
                                                                                           

                                                                          Close-up of Summit

                 A glimpse of the peak after half an hour of walk from the base camp.                                                     

                                                          Close-up of Summit 

                                                                           Way to Summit     

               The trail becomes steeper as you approach the summit from the camp site. 

                                                                          Finally at Summit    

Pico de Loro or Parrot's Peak offers a spectacular 360 view from the summit. It is considered as the highest point within the boundary of Cavite and Batangas. It got its name from its contour that looks like a giant parrot perched on the mountain.

                                                         Mt. Pico de Loro with 664 metres (2,178 ft)

                                                                 Monolith Rock (Also known as "Parrots Peak")
                                                                                           

                                                                   Alejandro on the Monolith Rock

                         Alejandro who would be climbing the Parrot's Peak / Pico de Loro for the third time.

“I am often asked why I climb mountains. No, it isn’t because it is there. It is more of a spiritual journey for me. It is something between me and Mother Nature. The mountain itself is incidental. It could just well be the stairs to my sixth floor office that I climb everyday. Patience, persistence, physical stamina is tested to the max each time. Meeting the challenge is what it is all about”.
                                                                                                                -Hardcore mountaineer


DAYHIKE

0830H Board bus at Coastal Mall Terminal to Ternate (Php82)
1030H ETA Ternate, take tricycle to jump-off (Php250/4 person)
1100H ETA DENR / jump-off point, pay Php25 registration
1130H Start of trek, jump-off point is 4 minutes away from DENR.
1230H ETA Alibangbang Park
0400H ETA Campsite
0430H ETA Summit

From here, we take a option Backtrail since our first time instead of Traverse

Option : Backtrail to Ternate

0500H Start descent to Magnetic Hill
0730H ETA jump-off point, proceed to DENR and wash up
0830H Take tricycle to Ternate then take bus back to Manila
1030H ETA Manila.

Serendipity Happens | Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club - Hamilo Coast

Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club is one of the most outstanding resorts I checked out so far. This resort is exclusive for members only but i heard that Pico Sands Hotel accommodates non-member guests also. Pico De Loro is found along the shorelines of Nasugbu, Batangas, Hamilo Coast. It offers residential condominiums, a hotel, beach, country club with the most extensive recreational amenities. Batangas is always the most convenient area. Batangas is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Metro Manila.The trip from Market Market Taguig to Nasugbu took almost 3 hours; that included several stop overs for buying food and taking pictures along the way. You can also take a boat ride from Mall of Asia to Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club for just 1.5 hours.

       Country Club Area

Pool Area

                                                                             Beach Lounge

 I thought I've already explored the best spots in Pico de Loro resort, this pool area proved me wrong. These swimming pools were the greatest places to just relax and have quality fun time with the family. Hoping i will visit again next time with my whole family. Hihi We are lucky because it was'nt crowded when we went.

Here's another view of the swimming pool at the Pico de Loro Beach Club. There's a kiddie pool beside it too in case you have babies and toddlers in tow.

                                                                                             My little sister 

The Uncrowded Beach

Just walk a bit from the pool area and you will actually find yourself on the beach. You can relax under the beach umbrellas, snooze on the hammocks, play in the sand, or even rent boats to go snorkeling.

                                                                                       Spa Lounge

They offer a lot of outdoor activities. The list with corresponding rates will be given to you by request at the country club. Kayak is P350 per hour.

My Sexy Back. LOL

                                                                         Sun Coral Cafe

The Sun Coral Cafe can also be found at the Pico de Loro Beach Club. Lunch and dinner buffets as well as ala carte meals are available here. Lunch and dinner buffets as well as ala carte meals are available here. There were good tasting items like the chopsuey, grilled fish, beef with ampalaya, roasted chicken and many more.
h, 

We had the lunch buffet that costs around P750+ per person, half price for kids. There's bread, soup, salad, pasta, dessert, etc.

                                                                             Locker room 

     Walking outside to see the man made lagoon.

There are also Kultura boutiques at the lobby of Pico de Loro Beach Club.

                   View of Pico de Loro Beach Club shot from St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel

Breathtaking view from where the chapel is.  Truly, God's creation is one of a kind! Ughhh 

                                                                           Night Party


Anyway, I didn't expect I would experience Pico de Loro's beach resort right away. Thanks to Voll Famliy for the last minute invite, I had a great holiday weekend getaway in this lovely resort. This trip was definitely something to remember. The place has a lot to improve in terms of service and their amenities. It would be best to stay here for more than a day, to explore and enjoy the place more.